Keeping Soda from Going Flat

How do you keep Coke from going flat once it has been opened? I would like to be able to drink the whole bottle, instead of having to use the flat Coke as a toilet bowl cleaner (which is a great use for it!). Thanks guys!

Squeeze the air out of the bottle before you put the lid back on it. I used to waste a lot of money dumping soda out that had gone flat. I read somewhere that if you squeeze air out of the bottle until the pop is up to the top before you put the lid back on it wouldn't go flat in the fridge. I tried this and it works great. I've kept opened bottles of soda in the fridge for weeks and when I open them they still taste great and aren't flat.

I am looking for away to keep my mountain dew from going flat after I open the 2 liter pop when I pour it in to my fountain drink glass it goes flat very soon maybe after 2hr its flat then I end up not wanting the mountain dew because of the soda is not tasting good so if I could find a squeeze bottle that would keep the pop cold and fresh with out going flat that would be really cool .. Does anyone have any ideas on this ? please let me know 612-282-1211 thanks David

Here in the states, you can purchase inexpensive pumps for liter bottles at Wal-Mart. Or you can purchase a soda dispenser for liter bottles at www.kitchencollection.com . You also can purchase very inexpensive "soda savers" can lids for cans at www.kitchencollection.com.

Ad

I have used both the liter pumps and the can lids and think they work as well as can be expected considering that the pop will eventually go flat no matter what you do. However, they both extend the fizz and the expense for both is almost non-existent compared to what you can save on soda.

Once the bottle is opened the air pocket in the empty part of the bottle is enough to make the remaining liquid go flat, no matter how tight the cap is on. Squeezing the air out is probably the best thing you can do to prolong it's life.

Do not squeeze the air out. This actually makes it worse. You want to do the opposite: pump more air in. I've seen devices that let you pump more air in, thus increasing the pressure of the air in the bottle above the soda. This will prevent any dissolved gasses (CO2) from escaping as easily. Read about vapor pressure to get a physical understanding.

Ad

Weather you have this device or not, the best thing to do is this: handle the bottle of soda very, very carefully (like it has nitroglycerin in it) as to not disturb the soda. Any shaking or rapid movement will increase the rate at which the CO2 is released. I use this technique with my soda, and I usually can enjoy every drop, depending on how long it takes me to finish it.

Squeezing the air out of the bottle works ok. If there is no air over the soda, the CO2 won't be released from the soda. The problem is that the bottle can expand, so if you squeeze the air out and come back a day later, some CO2 has escaped from the soda and there is an air pocket on top of the soda.

OK everyone, I have an answer. First of all, squeezing the bottle just allows to CO2 to exit the pop/soda/Coke and reinflate the bottle. I got tired of this issue, and installed a schrader valve (tire valve) into a cap after drilling a 1/2" hole in it, then use a bicycle pump or compressor (be careful with this one) and pump it up to 35 PSI. This creates a higher pressure than the CO2 trying to escape and keeps it fizzy! Have fun! People will think you are crazy just like me. But they wish they had one. See picture. 1-30-11

My remedy is: I have one of those soda club home soda makers and I just re-carbonate it. Basically it (under pressure) adds co2 to the liquid and bam, you got bubbles. I have also herd that a couple big strong rubber bands on a 2 liter to increase internal pressure will help.

Ad

Keep in mind that the co2 is released because the pressure of the atmosphere is less then the co2, so it expands into the air or inside of the bottle, even quicker if you make a vacuum by squeezing the air out of the bottle. So DO NOT squeeze the air out of the bottle, it only makes it worse.

EASY PEASY - before use - store soda bottles on their side, after opening, store upside down - I put mine in a large empty container - like tomatoes were in to help keep vertical. I don't squeeze out air any more (I used to - but this works better) My theory is CO2 is escaping from the "never quite as good as it used to be before you opened the original" seal. When soda COMPLETELY covers the seal - no tiny CO2 molecules can get past the liquid. Please post your opinion/results if you try it.

Leaving the stopper off makes it go flat really quick when it's not all consumed in one day. Best trick, lay bottle on its side after opening. After you open the first time, squeeze the bottle until pop reaches the top.

Ad

This only works if the 2 liter bottle is half full or more. Give it a quick few shakes. This method keeps pop from going flat. 100% it works.